STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2233-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.C.R. No. 56

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Labor, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 56 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING OPEN WATER LIFEGUARDS AS FIRST RESPONDERS IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR ESSENTIAL ROLE IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND COMMUNITY WELLBEING THROUGHOUT THE STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to recognize open water lifeguards as first responders in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Honolulu Ocean Safety Department; National Drowning Prevention Alliance; North Shore Chamber of Commerce; Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; Rescue Tube Foundation; Hawaiian Lifeguard Association; Hawaiʻi Water Safety Coalition; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that open water lifeguards perform critical public safety functions by responding to emergencies in hazardous and unpredictable ocean and shoreline environments, often placing themselves at significant risk. Open water lifeguards are frequently among the first to arrive at emergency scenes, are extensively trained in lifesaving and emergency medical response, and routinely operate alongside police officers and firefighters to protect life and property. Your Committee believes that formally recognizing open water lifeguards as first responders affirms their role within the emergency response system and supports consistent access to the protections, resources, and professional recognition necessary to enhance public safety statewide.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 56 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor,

____________________________

JACKSON D. SAYAMA, Chair